Túnel de Cahuish
Experience one of the world's highest tunnels, connecting dramatic Andean landscapes and offering breathtaking views.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better light
Túnel de Cahuish
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better light
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Experience one of the world's highest tunnels, connecting dramatic Andean landscapes and offering breathtaking views.
"The views before and after entering the tunnel are magical, with nature, fauna, and flora all green around."
🚗 Drive with Caution
Use headlights & honk! Be mindful of the sharp curve upon exiting. :car:
⛰️ Acclimatize for Altitude
Spend days in Huaraz first to avoid altitude sickness. :mountain_snow:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Tunnel Itself
Ancash Region, Peru
Experience one of the world's highest tunnels, a marvel of engineering at 4,516m.
Querococha Lagoon
On the route to the tunnel
A stunning lagoon with a unique geological fault shaped like Peru's map.
Dramatic Mountain Scenery
Surrounding the tunnel
Witness lush green landscapes and diverse flora and fauna post-tunnel.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Altitude Awareness is Key
Tunnel Safety & Views
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Drive with Caution
Use headlights & honk! Be mindful of the sharp curve upon exiting. +1 :car:
⛰️ Acclimatize for Altitude
Spend days in Huaraz first to avoid altitude sickness. :mountain_snow:
📸 Capture the Views
The scenery before and after the tunnel is magical. :camerawithflash:
📍 Connects Key Sites
Tunnel is on the route to Chavín de Huantar. :world_map:
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Drive with Caution
Use headlights & honk! Be mindful of the sharp curve upon exiting. +1 :car:
⛰️ Acclimatize for Altitude
Spend days in Huaraz first to avoid altitude sickness. :mountain_snow:
📸 Capture the Views
The scenery before and after the tunnel is magical. :camerawithflash:
📍 Connects Key Sites
Tunnel is on the route to Chavín de Huantar. :world_map:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors are captivated by the magical views and the engineering marvel of the Kahuish Tunnel, one of the world's highest. The surrounding natural beauty, including Querococha Lagoon and its unique geological fault, adds to the allure. However, the extreme altitude poses a significant risk of sickness, and drivers must exercise caution due to poor visibility and sharp curves.
"Before and after entering the tunnel the views are magical... nature, its fauna, its flora are now all green around... I arrived early around 11 am, but from 1 pm the hailstorm and rain started... be careful... beautiful photos of the surroundings will come out... if you go through the tunnel use all your lights and honk your horn, I am already used to the mountains, that's why the altitude sickness doesn't bother me, but I saw several people fainted..."
john gomez
"A unique spot, the tunnel that connects the Callejón de Huaylas and the Conchucos area, 4,516 meters above sea level, 900 meters long. If you visit this area, you'll find Querococha Lagoon on the route, a must-see. Also, look closely to the right side of the lagoon; you'll see a geological fault shaped like the map of Peru. And don't forget to visit the Chavín de Huantar archaeological complex."
Aydee Obregon
"This tunnel is the ABRA or highest point to cross the mountain range on the way to Chavín de Huántar. Be careful because there is a curve just as you exit. Its location will be mentioned by the guides at the archaeological complex."
Paul Burlando
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Kahuish Tunnel is located in the Ancash region of Peru and is a crucial part of the route connecting the Callejón de Huaylas and the Conchucos area. It's often visited as part of a trip to the Chavín de Huantar archaeological complex. Many tours from Huaraz include a stop at the tunnel. If driving, the road is generally well-paved and signposted, but caution is advised due to the high altitude and potential weather changes. +1
While the road is paved, drivers must exercise extreme caution. Visibility can be poor inside the tunnel, and there's a sharp curve immediately upon exiting. Using headlights and honking your horn are essential safety measures. +1 Recklessness by some drivers is a concern.
The Kahuish Tunnel sits at a staggering 4,516 meters (14,816 feet) above sea level, making it one of the highest tunnels in the world.
On the route to the tunnel, you'll find the beautiful Querococha Lagoon, which features a geological fault shaped like the map of Peru. The Chavín de Huantar archaeological complex is also a major nearby attraction.
Yes, independent travel is possible if you have your own vehicle or hire a taxi. However, many visitors opt for guided tours from Huaraz, which often include stops at the tunnel and other significant sites, providing valuable context and logistical ease.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
There is typically no specific entrance fee for the tunnel itself. It's a public roadway. However, if you are visiting as part of a guided tour to Chavín de Huantar, the tour price will cover access to the sites, including the passage through the tunnel.
As a public roadway, the tunnel is generally accessible 24/7. However, driving conditions can be hazardous at night or during severe weather. It's advisable to pass through during daylight hours for safety and to appreciate the surrounding scenery.
Information regarding specific entrance fees for Querococha Lagoon can vary. It's best to check with local tour operators or guides, as it's often included in broader regional tours.
No, there are no booking requirements to simply pass through the Kahuish Tunnel as it is a public road. If you are booking a tour to Chavín de Huantar, you will book that tour in advance.
Most tour operators in Huaraz accept cash (Peruvian Soles) and sometimes credit cards. It's advisable to confirm payment methods when booking your tour.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
Expect a significant change in light and potentially temperature. The tunnel is about 900 meters long. Remember to use your headlights and honk your horn to alert oncoming traffic. +1
The views are described as magical, with lush green nature, fauna, and flora. The landscape dramatically changes after exiting the tunnel.
Yes, altitude sickness is a significant concern due to the tunnel's extreme elevation. Many people experience fainting. It's crucial to acclimatize in Huaraz beforehand.
Near Querococha Lagoon, there's a notable geological fault that has been shaped by natural forces to resemble the map of Peru. It's a unique natural landmark worth looking for.
The tunnel itself is approximately 900 meters long, so passing through takes only a few minutes. However, the journey to and from the tunnel, along with stops at viewpoints and Querococha Lagoon, will add significant time to your trip.
📸 📸 Photography
The dramatic mountain landscapes before and after the tunnel offer stunning photographic opportunities. The entrance and exit of the tunnel itself can also make for striking shots. Don't miss the unique geological formation resembling Peru's map near Querococha Lagoon. +1
Inside the tunnel, it will be dark. Use a wide aperture and a high ISO if shooting handheld, or a tripod for longer exposures. Consider using your camera's or phone's flashlight to illuminate the immediate surroundings if needed.
Exercise extreme caution if stopping on the roadside for photos. The road can be narrow, and traffic can be unpredictable. It's safer to pull over in designated safe areas or viewpoints.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive mountain scenery. If you plan to photograph the geological fault, a standard zoom lens might suffice. A sturdy tripod can be useful for low-light conditions inside or near the tunnel.
Yes, you can take photos inside the tunnel, but be mindful of other vehicles. Ensure you have adequate lighting, as it will be very dark.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider booking a guided tour that is specifically family-friendly, as guides can provide valuable insights and manage the pace of the trip to accommodate children's needs. Pack warm layers as temperatures can fluctuate significantly. While the tunnel is an engineering marvel, the real family appeal lies in the stunning Andean landscapes and the chance to see unique natural formations.
🚗 Road Trippers & Drivers
Plan your route carefully, especially if heading to Chavín de Huantar. The sharp curve upon exiting the tunnel is a critical point to navigate with caution.
📸 Photographers
Consider bringing a wide-angle lens for sweeping landscapes and a tripod for low-light conditions inside the tunnel or during dawn/dusk. Be mindful of safety when stopping for photos; use designated pull-offs and be aware of traffic.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating the High Altitude
When you do approach the tunnel, be aware of the symptoms of altitude sickness. If you or someone in your group starts feeling unwell, it's best to descend to a lower altitude as soon as possible. Many tours will have provisions for this, but if traveling independently, be prepared. The dramatic change in elevation can be disorienting, so a slow and steady approach to the high Andes is key for a safe and enjoyable experience.
Safety and Driving Considerations
Adding to the driving challenge is a sharp curve immediately after exiting the tunnel.
The Scenic Route and Nearby Wonders
Adding to the scenic appeal is the Querococha Lagoon, a must-see located on the route.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit